The All India Association of Chemists and Druggists has announced a nationwide strike on May 20 to protest the unregulated operations of e-pharmacies. The group demands the withdrawal of two government notifications that it says allow online sellers to operate in a legal grey area.
The association, which represents 12.4 lakh chemists, pharmacists and drug distributors, said the strike follows concerns over fake prescriptions and unfair pricing by instant delivery apps. General secretary Rajiv Singhal stated that the notifications known as GSR 220 E and GSR 817 E have left e-pharmacies without proper oversight.
Singhal noted that GSR 817 E, an eight-year-old draft, was never finalised while GSR 220 E was introduced during the pandemic to permit doorstep delivery. He added that the group met the apex drug controller last month but received only assurances of a review.
Health Ministry officials confirmed that the drug regulator is examining the issue. The association seeks a framework that applies the same standards to online and physical pharmacies.